GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur

The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is an initiative designed to bolster India's deep-tech startup ecosystem. It is spearheaded by InFED, the incubation center at IIM Nagpur, with crucial support from the MeitY Startup Hub and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. This program forms a vital part of the broader GENESIS initiative, which aims to provide structured assistance to innovators developing cutting-edge technology solutions.

This program specifically targets first-generation founders and technology innovators who are establishing startups in advanced electronics, information technology, and various deep-tech sectors. It focuses on very early innovation phases, including ideation, concept validation, proof of concept, and prototype development. The core objective is to help these founders transform their technological concepts into viable, scalable startup ventures, thereby contributing significantly to India's strategic technology landscape.

Selected participants receive financial aid of up to ₹10 lakh to facilitate the development of their startup idea or prototype. This funding is intended to allow founders to dedicate their full attention to product development, technology validation, and initial experimentation, reducing the immediate need for external capital. Beyond financial support, the program offers comprehensive incubation services through InFED at IIM Nagpur.

Participants benefit from mentorship provided by seasoned entrepreneurs, domain experts, and industry leaders. The program also grants access to co-working facilities, technical guidance, and opportunities to connect with key startup ecosystem players, including investors, corporates, and innovation partners. This combination of mentorship and ecosystem access is designed to accelerate product-market fit and build robust technical foundations for emerging deep-tech startups.

• Up to ₹10 lakh in grant funding.
• Supports first-generation deep-tech founders.
• Focus on Ideation to Prototype stage startups.
• Mandatory physical incubation at InFED, IIM Nagpur.
• Open to applicants from Tier II or Tier III cities.
• Application deadline is March 15, 2026.

The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program is open to Indian citizens who are first-generation entrepreneurs or startup founders. Applicants can be full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students actively engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits, or they can be founders/co-founders of an existing startup.

If applying as a startup founder, the venture must be DPIIT-registered and have been established not more than 2 years ago. A key geographical requirement is that applicants must originate from a Tier II or Tier III city.

The startup's stage of development must be early, specifically at one of the following phases: Ideation, Concept Development, Validation, Problem-Solution Fit, Proof of Concept, or Prototype. The innovation itself must fall within the domains of electronics, information technology, or deep-tech. Relevant technology areas include, but are not limited to, AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductor, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, AR/VR, and other immersive technologies.

Crucially, startups must not have previously secured more than ₹10 lakh in total external or government funding. Selected participants are required to undertake physical incubation at InFED, IIM Nagpur. It is important to note that support under the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence program can only be availed once per applicant.

GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur closed on 15 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program can receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh. This grant funding is specifically designed to support the development of the startup idea or prototype, enabling founders to focus on product development, technology validation, and early experimentation without immediate financial pressure.

In addition to monetary support, the program provides comprehensive incubation services through InFED at IIM Nagpur. These benefits include:

• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, domain experts, and industry professionals.
• Access to dedicated co-working spaces.
• Technical guidance to refine and advance the startup's technology.
• Exposure to a wide network of startup ecosystem stakeholders, including potential investors, corporate partners, and innovation collaborators.

This holistic support aims to accelerate the startup's journey from concept to market readiness and build a strong technical foundation.

GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is offered by InFED, IIM Nagpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by InFED, IIM Nagpur as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.